Enjoy summer in the city
By Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA, PCA President & CEO
Summer is a great time to take advantage of all that our wonderful city has to offer! Philadelphia is full of activities, events and amenities to suit any interest or hobby. Whether you are a nature lover, history buff, sports fan, arts and culture enthusiast, foodie, or shopper, you’ll find opportunities for enjoyment in every neighborhood.
Did you know?
Philadelphia is the “Mural Capital of the World” with more than 4,400 community-based public works of art. Mural subjects include famous Philadelphians throughout history, the environment, restorative justice and civic engagement. (For more information, contact Mural Arts Philadelphia at 215-685-0750 or MuralArts.org. For information on mural tours, call 215-925-3633.)
Philadelphia’s robust urban park encompasses 10,200 acres of public land and waterways, as well as hundreds of recreation, environmental and cultural centers, according to the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation.
You can be a tourist in your own city. Each year, more than 1.3 million people come to Philadelphia’s visitor centers for free information and “access to all this city has to offer — activities, tickets, reservations and opportunities,” according to the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation. (For more information, call 1-800-537-7676 or go to PhlVisitorCenter.com.)
Stay safe in the heat
I encourage you to spend time outdoors and take full advantage of the summer in Philadelphia. Please make sure to keep safety in mind while doing so. Always protect yourself from the sun and heat by wearing sunscreen and a hat. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. You might want to carry a refillable water bottle with you.
On especially hot days, your best bet is to stay indoors where it’s air-conditioned. This is a great opportunity to spend the day at one of the 28 tremendous senior community centers that PCA supports. Senior centers are the best recreational venues for older adults in Philadelphia, and there’s a location right in your neighborhood. Stop by to cool off from the heat, make new friends, enjoy a nutritious meal, exercise, take a class and more. To find a senior center near you, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or go to pcaCares.org/senior-centers.
